Achieve Cost Savings Through Endpoint Modernisation

For years, IT departments have operated under the pressure of doing more with less — finding ways to improve user experience, boost security, and support productivity, all while keeping costs under control.

Today, the challenges have only intensified. Cyber threats are growing, hybrid workforces demand seamless technology experiences, and IT budgets are being scrutinised like never before.

Endpoint modernisation — the process of upgrading an organisation’s endpoint devices to meet current technological standards and security requirements — has emerged as a critical strategy for businesses looking to stay competitive while also driving cost efficiency.

By reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) and enhancing return on investment (ROI), modernised endpoints are a means to support productivity and a critical step towards sustainable, long-term IT management.

Let’s explore practical ways to achieve cost efficiency with endpoint modernisation.

Understanding Total Cost Ownership

When organisations evaluate endpoints, it’s easy to focus on the upfront cost of the device. However, this approach only tells part of the story. The total cost of ownership (TCO) of an endpoint includes everything from deployment and maintenance to security and end-of-life disposal.

Forrester’s survey of 652 IT professionals found that 57% of IT leaders believe moving towards a modern endpoint reduces overall costs for IT departments. The key to achieving these savings lies in addressing costs beyond the initial investment, including:

Maintenance and downtime

As devices age, they require more frequent repairs and updates, leading to higher maintenance costs and productivity loss. By contrast, modern endpoints are built to be more reliable, requiring fewer repairs and updates.

Security

As the risk of cyberattacks continues to rise, so too does the cost of protecting outdated devices. Older systems often need additional software, patching, and human resources to keep them secure, driving up TCO. Modern endpoints, with built-in security features, reduce the need for extra layers of protection, cutting costs significantly.

Energy and sustainability

Modern devices are designed to be more energy-efficient, resulting in long-term cost savings on electricity, especially when deployed across large organisations. Furthermore, sustainable devices with longer lifecycles help reduce the financial and environmental costs associated with device disposal and replacement.

The Value of Endpoint Modernisation

Endpoint modernisation refers to upgrading endpoint devices, such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, to newer technologies incorporating cloud-based solutions, enhanced security measures, and artificial intelligence. This shift allows organisations to improve efficiency, user experience, and security while reducing management complexity.

It isn’t just about cost control; it’s also about enhancing overall business performance. IT departments that invest in modern devices are more likely to see a higher ROI by boosting productivity, simplifying management, and improving the user experience.

Practical strategies for enhancing ROI include:

Increased productivity

Newer devices are faster, more reliable, and better suited to handle modern workloads, especially in hybrid and remote working environments. With fewer technical disruptions, employees can focus on their tasks, leading to significant productivity gains.

Streamlined management

Cloud-based device management is a cornerstone of modern endpoints. IT staff can remotely monitor, update, and secure devices, reducing the need for manual interventions. Forrester found that 19% of IT teams’ time is spent managing security, and 14% is spent on endpoint deployment. By modernising, IT teams can automate many of these processes, freeing up resources for more strategic initiatives.

Security enhancements

Modern endpoints come with advanced security features like encryption, biometrics, and built-in antivirus, which significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks. This avoids the high costs associated with data breaches and helps businesses maintain their reputation and customer trust.

In today’s digital age, endpoints are essential for everything from collaborating with colleagues to engaging customers. However, the rise in cyberattacks, increased pressure to innovate, and constant budget scrutiny mean that IT departments require a new kind of endpoint. Enter ChromeOS, which embodies the characteristics of a modern endpoint: security, simplicity, and cost efficiency.

According to Forrester’s research, 81% of IT respondents said adopting web-based applications is part of their digital transformation goals, while 90% believe the future of end-user computing is web-based. ChromeOS is built around these principles, making it an ideal choice for businesses embarking on modernisation.

How ChromeOS delivers cost efficiency:

Security by design

ChromeOS devices feature multi-layered security, including Verified Boot, sandboxing, and data encryption. These built-in protections mean that IT teams spend less time managing security updates and dealing with threats. In fact, there has never been a successful ransomware attack on a ChromeOS device.

Simplified management

With the Google Admin console, IT administrators can manage ChromeOS devices remotely, applying updates and policies across a fleet of devices in seconds. This eliminates much of the manual work associated with endpoint management, helping to reduce operational costs.

Lower TCO

According to IDC, businesses using ChromeOS save approximately $463 per device on average, thanks to reduced infrastructure, security, and management costs. These savings hold even with high-performance devices like Chromebook Plus, which combine powerful hardware with the cloud-centric ChromeOS operating system.

As businesses adapt to new challenges, endpoint modernisation presents an opportunity to reduce costs and improve business outcomes. By addressing the full range of costs associated with endpoint devices and enhancing ROI through improved productivity and security, IT decision-makers can set their organisations up for long-term success.

For those looking to start their modernisation journey, ChromeOS offers a robust, secure, and cost-efficient solution that aligns with today’s digital transformation goals. With built-in security, simplified management, and significant cost savings, ChromeOS devices are the future of modern endpoints.

To learn more, explore the complete Forrester Consulting study or contact Google for further details on how ChromeOS can support your organisation’s modernisation efforts.

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